2009 Stars & Stripes U12 Autumn Tournament – Week 2

Monkstown LTC vs Newtown Park

Another great night on Saturday! The girls started at 5.30 and our no 1 pair Lucy Byrne and Siofra Watsonfound their opponents from Newtown Park very tough. They were 3 nil down early on but fought back brilliantly to level and draw ahead. It looked as if it was going to be our day but Newtown Park edged ahead in the tie break to win 7 6. We had almost the mirror opposite on the middle court where our No 2 pairing of Kate Doyleand Juliette Millswere ahead all the way, but were clawed back to 6 all by a strong Newtown Park pair. That Newtown Park team clearly practice tie breaks as they stole that one too to win 7 6. The final girls match saw a very strong Newtown Park pair dominate, but Lara Sommervilleand Caoimhe O’Connorstayed with them all the way and just lost out 8 5 in the end. All in all, three excellent matches and great tennis all around so well done girls. Final score was Newtown Park 22, Monkstown LTC 17.

The competition in the boys section was equally good. Monkstown LTC no 1s John O Mahony and David Keanejust maintained the edge throughout their match, with some great play and came through 7 6 against strong opposition. Jack Stokesand Stephen Connollywere our no 2 pair – Stephen now going for the other Stokes twin having been paired last season with Neil. The pair gave an excellent display and came out on top 8 5. Our third pair Gary Kellyand Gary Galvindrew strong opposition and at one point looked as if things could go very pear shaped as they trailed 6 2. However, they dug deep and clawed back winning the tie break to finish up narrowing the gap to 9 4. Every game counts so those last few games could yet prove crucial. Again there were really good matches all around so well done boys. Final score Newtown Park 20, Monkstown LTC 19. Overall Newtown Park 42, Monkstown LTC 36.

Sandycove had a very strong result against Glenageary so they have now passed us out on the overall table – leading us by 13 points. We are still second – just two points ahead of Newtown Park so all to play for!!!